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A close up of the shoulder strap. The RCMP Superintendant rank shows a crown and pip, which is different from most police forces where it is a crown only. The crown on its own signifies an Inspector in the RCMP.

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Paul - it certainly lives up to your descriptions. I think we should see all of the pieces before putting approx. insurance valuations. The Commissioner's will be a valuable item - does it come with cap etc.?

When I first looked at the uniforms I kept thinking what is this set of initials - GRC - suddenly remembered French is an equal language. Duh !!

You describe the officer's uniform as being for a Superintendent - is there another grade above this in Canada ? I ask, because in the UK this would be for a Chief Superintendent - a Supt. is only the Crown. The cap crown looked very interesting - are they real diamonds at the top ? If the answer is yes, then the bullion badge will be in gold thread - and valuable. Could we see a front and back close-up.

Congratulations on acquiring such an extensive collection - hope you have the room ? Mervyn

Edited January 29, 2010 by Mervyn Mitton

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Paul - it certainly lives up to your descriptions. I think we should see all of the pieces before putting approx. insurance valuations. The Commissioner's will be a valuable item - does it come with cap etc.?

When I first looked at the uniforms I kept thinking what is this set of initials - GRC - suddenly remembered French is an equal language. Duh !!

You describe the officer's uniform as being for a Superintendent - is there another grade above this in Canada ? I ask, because in the UK this would be for a Chief Superintendent - a Supt. is only the Crown. The cap crown looked very interesting - are they real diamonds at the top ? If the answer is yes, then the bullion badge will be in gold thread - and valuable. Could we see a front and back close-up.

Congratulations on acquiring such an extensive collection - hope you have the room ? Mervyn

Hi Mervyn,

The cap badge is made from polyester thread, unfortunately not gold and diamonds. This type of cap badge was introduced for offiers, ie inspector and above, in the early 1990s.

With regard to the ranks, a Chief Superintendant has two pips with the crown in the RCMP. I have a set of the rank badges en route so I will post them once they arrive. The Commissioner's uniform comes with the cap so I hope to take photos of it all during the weekend.

:cheers:

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Nice badges, you show badges I never knew existed, the blue & white medal ribbon on some of the tunics, knoe you're saying the tunics are 1960's/70's, but is the ribbon one of the more recent NATO medals?

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Nice badges, you show badges I never knew existed, the blue & white medal ribbon on some of the tunics, knoe you're saying the tunics are 1960's/70's, but is the ribbon one of the more recent NATO medals?

It's probably blue and yellow. It's the RCMP long service award:

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/hon/nat-honour-honneur/lng-serv-eng.htm

Thats not to say it could not be a Nato or UN medal as it is not uncommon for former CF members to joined the RCMP. Plus RCMP members have served as UNCIVPOL on the various missions

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Nice badges, you show badges I never knew existed, the blue & white medal ribbon on some of the tunics, knoe you're saying the tunics are 1960's/70's, but is the ribbon one of the more recent NATO medals?

It is a blue and yellow ribbon and it is the RCMP Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. It is awarded for 20 years service, bars are awarded for further periods of five years each.

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Next up is the full dress uniform of the Commissioner of Police of the RCMP. This belonged to Commissioner Murray who held the position from 1994-2000. First up is the visor cap. This piece is dated 1999 on the inside.

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Paul - Wow ! The Commissioner's outfit is in wonderful condition - and has to be a rare set. Interesting that the gold braid on the peak of the cap is so different to the usual styles. I think these must represent Maple leaves - however, perhaps you could confirm this ?

From the suspension straps on the belt, this rank obviously wears a sword - were you lucky enough to have this included. Probably a Mameluke pattern - the type worn by generals.

His rank structuring is very interesting - it is identical to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner in London - who is Britain's senior police officer. However, in the UK the baton and sword are two crossed tipstaffs within the wreath. Your Commissioner is wearing the insignia for a full (4 star) General - thus showing the para-military origins of the RCMP.

Going back to an earlier suggestion I made about the material the Supt's badge was made from - these badges are metal. I would suggest , therefore, that you try to see the reverse on them in case of markings. For this rank I would be surprised if they aren't silver gilt. The same will apply to the belt fittings. One word of warning - don't be tempted to rub or, buff them. Gilt rubs off easily.

And you say there is more to come..........

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Yes, the bullion on the peak is supposed to be maple leaves. It makes it quite distinctive. I suspect the belt buckle is silver gilt, the way in which it has toned is consistent with silver, but I doubt if the cap badge is. It seems to be the standard officer issue badge made from polyester and base metal that was introduced in the 1990s. I do not want to disassemble them to check for markings since the belt and cap are in lovely condition as they are.

:cheers:

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Hello - Paul. I'm anxious to know if any more 'treasures' have arrived ? I have a question that you may be able to assist with - I have the only Tipstaff known for Canada - although , I think , it was practise in the early days , for Supt's. and above to carry them. How would I find out if the RCMP have any examples in their Museum.

Mine is for the North West Mounted Police and I intend posting it soon. The only decorated truncheon known for Canada is in the Ontario Museum.